'What use is that?'

'Whatever use we choose to put it to,' he said, trying to soothe her with a smile. 'If I've hurt you in any way, Abigail, I'm deeply sorry. Tell me how I can atone for my treatment of you.'

He opened his arms in a gesture of apology that was at the same time a welcome invitation. Abigail was in turmoil, tempted to yield to his embrace yet held back by the anguish of losing him to a distant war. The conflicting emotions were too much for her. Unable to contain her distress, she let out a loud wail then fled from the room. Daniel instinctively tried to follow her but he found his way blocked by Dorothy Piper. Anger showed in her eyes at first but it soon vanished when she was able to study him properly.

'Good day to you, Captain Rawson,' she said, impressed by what she saw. 'I am Abigail's elder sister, Dorothy.'

'Delighted to make your acquaintance,' he replied. 'Abigail did not mention that she had a sister.'

She smiled. 'I begin to see why now.'

'Should I go after her and try to comfort her?'

'That would be pointless. She will already have locked herself in her room and will not come out for hours. I'll speak to her later.'

'Please assure her that I didn't mean to upset her.'

'I most certainly will, Captain Rawson.'

'Do you think she would permit me to call again — when I return from my duties, that is?'

'Whatever Abigail says, you have my permission to call.'

Her gaze was supremely confident. Daniel felt as if he were meeting an older version of Abigail Piper, equally beautiful and alluring but more experienced, more mature, more knowing. One sister had fled but another had taken her place. In the space of a minute, he felt that he had made more progress with Dorothy than he had done in a week with Abigail. The younger sister might be enamoured of him but it was the elder who held the greater promise. Daniel was content. When he was next in London, he resolved to call at the house again. He would have two excellent reasons to do so.